ICONIC Voltron™ FRANCHISE TO BE RELAUNCHED FOR NEXT GENERATION OF FANS

June 13, 2010

CLASSIC MEDIA TO REPRESENT VOLTRON WORLDWIDE

NEW TV SERIES VOLTRON FORCE TO DEBUT ON NICKTOONS IN 2011 AND MATTEL® SIGNED AS MASTER TOY LICENSEE

NEW YORK, NY (June 07, 2010)—World Events Productions (WEP), a leader in animated television production, and Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s top family entertainment brands, today announced the relaunch of the iconic Voltron™ brand for a new generation of fans in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the original Voltron series, which first aired on television during the 1984-1985 television year. Effective immediately, Classic Media is to helm international distribution and worldwide merchandising and licensing for Voltron.

As the first step in reintroducing the Voltron brand to fans, an all-new animated television series is being created. The series, Voltron Force, is the first original franchise-related television content in 10 years and is scheduled to debut on Nicktoons in 2011, with WEP and Classic Media producing along with leading Hollywood production company Kickstart Productions (Wanted, Wolverine and the X-Men).

Voltron, the original robot-action series, is the story of five space explorers who pilot incredible robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, an invincible guardian sworn to defend the universe. Voltron Force will follow a group of new recruits on their once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle alongside the original group of heroes led by Commander Keith in the Black Lion and Allura in the Blue Lion. The new series will consist of 26 half-hour episodes of 2D and CGI animation and will have all the thrilling excitement of robot lions in action, combined with compelling storylines and the dynamic, relatable characters that made the original series so popular. Voltron Force promises to be an excellent co-viewing opportunity where lifelong Voltron fans can now share the experience with their own children.

In addition, Mattel is developing a new line of Voltron toys for fans of all ages. Mattel’s toy offerings will appeal to adults who grew up with the popular ‘80s series, as well as a new generation of fans that Voltron Force will create.

“I am thrilled to partner with Classic Media as we introduce Voltron to a new generation of fans,” said Ted Koplar, President, WEP. “Classic Media’s exceptional brand management capability will play an integral role in the highly-anticipated relaunch of this classic property.” Koplar continued, “Voltron’s legacy of innovative and iconic toys is in great hands with Mattel, whose vision promises to re-imagine and re-invigorate Voltron toys like never before.”

“We are delighted to be a strategic partner of WEP’s on the revival of such an iconic brand as Voltron and greatly look forward to working with Kickstart Productions in bringing this new animation series to all of our key international partners across broadcast and home entertainment,” said Chloe van den Berg, EVP, International, Classic Media.

“Classic Media is excited to partner with WEP and Kickstart Productions to reintroduce Voltron to the next generation of fans,” said Nicole Blake, EVP, Global Marketing & Consumer Products, Classic Media. “With a renewed emphasis on building a global consumer products program and its intrinsic transformation play pattern, anchored by Mattel as master toy partner, Voltron is poised to regain its position as a top kids property.”

Daniel “Julius Marx” Pickett has been around toys his whole life. The first line he ever collected was Mego’s World’s Greatest Super Heroes line back in the 70s. He has been surrounded by collectables ever since.
In 1999 he was confounded by a lack of information and news about some of his favorite toy lines he was collecting. Since he couldn’t find the information he decided to pursue it himself thinking other people might also be interested in the same news. He started writing a weekly column on the toy industry and action figure for a toy news site and in a years time he tripled the sites daily traffic with his updates, reviews and product features.
He built relationships with every major toy manufacturer and many sculptors, painters and mold makers. He grew his hobby into a world wide expertise that the industry has embraced.
In 2004 he teamed up with his toy buddy Jason “ToyOtter” Geyer and they created their own website www.ActionFigureInsider.com.
Daniel has been quoted in both industry and mass media press outlets. Over the years Daniel and AFi have been sought out as experts in the field. Daniel was regularly featured on “Attack of the Show” on the G4 network as the primary contributor to their “Mint On Card” segment, and our front page has been linked to from USA Today’s
“Pop Candy” Blog twice. Daniel’s content has also been featured on MSNBC.com,
Wired.com, Fark.com, Boing-Boing, Gizmodo.com, Ain’t It Cool News, the Official
Star Wars blog, Geekologie, G4, CNet and Toy Fare magazine, among many
others. He has consulted on toy lines, books, documentaries and TV shows.
But all of that really just sounds snooty and “tootin’ his own horn” – the long and short of it is that Daniel loves toys and he LOVES talking about them.